Titan's Thick Atmosphere Is Believed to Have Been Created When

question 57

Multiple Choice

Titan's thick atmosphere is believed to have been created when ultraviolet photons broke apart methane molecules, ultimately creating the observed smog-like conditions. This process, though, would likely remove all of the atmospheric methane in roughly 10 million years, yet we still see its presence today. What is the most likely cause?

• A) Cometary impacts periodically bring new methane to Titan.
• B) Ethane rains down out of the atmosphere, combines with surface rocks, and creates new methane.
• C) Infrared photons give atmospheric molecules enough energy to recombine into methane.
• D) Volcanoes on Titan periodically release new methane into the atmosphere.
• E) Bacteria on Titan constantly replenish the methane in the atmosphere.

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Definitions:

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands that regulate various bodily functions and behaviors.

Sympathetic Nervous System

A part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for physical activity by accelerating the heart rate, constricting blood vessels, and raising blood pressure.

Bodily Arousal

A state of physiological activation or readiness, often associated with emotions, stress, or excitement, involving changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.

Autonomic Nervous System

The component of the nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions, including respiration, cardiac rhythm, and digestion activities.